hi, i just buy a khs xct 525 frame and plan to build whit good parts, i want to use this bike as my second bike, please owners of xct speak of the performence of this bike climbing,decending and for what type of riding you use the xct, also whats the max fork lenght that you can use in this bike, i don´t know to much from khs so any information will be usefull, thanks (i post some pics when i have the bike ready)

All around trail bike

Originally Posted by brunomu

hi, i just buy a khs xct 525 frame and plan to build whit good parts, i want to use this bike as my second bike, please owners of xct speak of the performence of this bike climbing,decending and for what type of riding you use the xct, also whats the max fork lenght that you can use in this bike, i don´t know to much from khs so any information will be usefull, thanks (i post some pics when i have the bike ready)

Climbs and descends great with FSR linkage. I believe the fork travel is best @ 140,150mm max. You should check on what length would void warranty first before purchasing/installing.

Climbs and descends great with FSR linkage. I believe the fork travel is best @ 140,150mm max. You should check on what length would void warranty first before purchasing/installing.

thanks man, just a couple of questions how much travel fork are you using on your xct?, i buy the xct 525 im looking at the rear shock and i see that is no lock up only rebound adjust( is the x fusion), i think you have the 555 (it comes whit rock shox) do you use the lock up in hard climbs? and what kind of riding you use the xct? thanks.

No lockout

Originally Posted by brunomu

thanks man, just a couple of questions how much travel fork are you using on your xct?, i buy the xct 525 im looking at the rear shock and i see that is no lock up only rebound adjust( is the x fusion), i think you have the 555 (it comes whit rock shox) do you use the lock up in hard climbs? and what kind of riding you use the xct? thanks.

Mine came with the Rock Shox 2.1. Going to possibly upgrade to 3 or 4 Monarch series or a Fox if one is dialed for this type fsr susp frame.

I am running a 130mm (+5") Float as that is what I had. More XC feel with it but pretty much that's my riding. Have a 650B front wheel to put on that will raise/slacken things abit. Not planning to go to a bigger travel fork unless I come across a good deal, as this is my secondary bike.

New pic with a few changes made to my 555 recently. Syncros Mental Alloy Pedals, Raceface EvolveDH riser bars and Kore 65mm stem. Also got tired of using the camelbak on every ride so I added a water bottle rack with a couple of zip ties. Works real good.

My review.
The XCT525
Very light, nimble, and quick. Please note that mine is different because it is a custom build.
That being said the frame is a good, light weight start. If I had to start over again with my build I wouldn't change the frame for the world.
I do not experiance any pedal bob whatsoever on uphills. Downhills are amazing. I've read alot of bad reviews about the rear rock shox. I put on a Fox fork in front. To be honest, I like the rear shock just as much as I like the front. The rear shock is perfect for me - a weekend warrior that rides 3-4x a week and doesn't hit 6 ft jumps.

I get complements all of the time on the look of the bike. For the money, I think the KHS525 is a steal. I bought my frame for $299 brand new!

As you can see, I have nothing but good things to say. I have yet to experiance any negatives. I did change a couple things out on my build to fix certain rider preferences, but that's it.

Good luck with your quest to find a new bike; but do NOT overlook the KHS>

“People fear death even more than pain. It's strange that they fear death. Life hurts a lot more than death." JM

I have a XCT535 frame with 555 components. With upgrades though, new fiber bars and seatpost, 1x9 drivetrain with shimano XTR derailer and shifter, stroker ace brakes, rides great. Looking for a new shock thought I have the rockshox monarch 3.1 and i dont like it because it doesnt have a lockout, and suggestions on a good shock?

The shock is 7.5 X 2.0. Depending on the model, you may be able to reuse your mounting hardware. For example, the RS Bar uses the same 12mm as the Manitou shocks and the older X-Fusion O2 series. The RS Monarch uses the same 1/2" as all Fox, the RS Vivid, newer X-Fusion O2, and I believe most Marzocchi.